/ˈɪmpɪtəs/
im·petus
impetuous
BrE /ˈɪmpɪtəs/
NAmE /ˈɪmpɪtəs/
[U, sing.]
something that encourages a process or activity to develop more quickly
SYN stimulus
The debate seems to have lost much of its initial impetus.
~ to sth/to do sth
to give (a) new/fresh impetus to sth
~ for sth
His articles provided the main impetus for change.
[U] (specialist)
the force or energy with which sth moves